Club History

A brief history

In 1981 a group of friends who hung about together and rode Harley-Davidson’s, used to meet up at a motorcycle workshop in Wealdstone Middlesex.

Bob Warner who was known as Harley Bob ran the shop. In those days, if you wanted to buy a Harley you went to Fred Warrs, if you wanted your Harley worked on you went to Harley Bobs. After a while they decided to form a motorcycle club and called themselves the …Wealdstone MCC.

They used to go to the HDRCGB rallies and events but eventually decided that they wanted something different.

The club name was changed and in 1983 the West London Harley Riders was born. The first president was Harley Bob and the club consisted of about fifteen members.

Club circa 1983

The club grew quickly and Dave Andrea was elected the next president. He is a Life Member of the club and although now living on the Isle of Man, still keeps in contact with the club.

The next president was Andy Kitchen - known as Spiderman - by now the club was able to choose members, as they wanted. If they didn’t want you, you weren’t in.

Nick Goodall was elected the next president in 1986 and remained president for the next ten years. During this time club membership increased, but eventually membership started to slowly decline in numbers.

By 1996 the club was suffering and a meeting was called to discuss it’s future. The conclusion of this meeting was that everyone would take some time out and in essence continue in name only for one year, although a small hardcore continued to party as the West London.

In 1997 the remaining club members met up again and decided to continue as a club.

Nick Goodall resigned from the club and Ray Douglas was elected as the new president. The club had six members. Over the next two years the club grew again and started getting out and about to various rallies at home and abroad.

Ray Douglas resigned his Presidency at the beginning of the 2000 AGM due to work commitments.

Ray worked hard during his time in office and succeeded in returning to the original ideas of the founder members, ‘ just owning a Harley ‘ wasn’t enough, you had to get out there and party, the club was once again in a healthy position.

Ray has continued to support the club in his role as Federation/MAG Rep.

Graham Mottershead was elected president in 2000 and became the first president of the new millennium.

2001 has brought yet another New President, James White he has in the past served as treasurer and having been an active member over the past 10yrs, felt it was time for him to again take responsibility for the clubs direction.

In 2003 the club will celebrate its 20^th year.

Club 2000

The club joined the Federation of Harley-Davidson Clubs, Europe in 1991 and was one of the founder members. The club has supported many Federation club events over the years.

2006 brought another President, Catweasle. After a stint as secretary and a bit of a reshuffle in the club with the departure of four members, the club took a short time to re - adjust and carried on partying. With four new members coming into the club, West London  is going from strength to strength. The bike show had a brilliant response and a great time was had by all. This year raising over two thousand pounds for our chosen charity Headway. 2007 brought a very demanding year, runs and rallies most weekends, it seems like it is a none stop party from end to end! The diary is looking busy for 2008 already.

                      

The West London Harley Riders are based near Heathrow Airport. We look forward to meeting everyone at various rallies and events throughout the year.